Saunders Respiratory Practice

Which individual is at the least risk for developing a tuberculosis infection?

1. A healthcare worker in a hospital

2. A person living with HIV

3. A man who is an inspector for the U.S. Postal Service

4. A resident in a long-term care facility

The correct answer is: A man who is an inspector for the U.S. Postal Service

The individual who is at the least risk for developing a tuberculosis (TB) infection is indeed the inspector for the U.S. Postal Service. TB is primarily spread through inhalation of airborne particles containing the bacteria, and certain occupations and living conditions pose higher risks due to increased exposure. Healthcare workers in a hospital, for instance, often encounter patients with active TB, which significantly raises their risk of exposure. Similarly, individuals living with HIV have compromised immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, including TB. Residents in long-term care facilities are also at a higher risk due to close living quarters and the potential for chronic health conditions that can increase the likelihood of infection. In contrast, a U.S. Postal Service inspector typically works in environments where they would not be directly interacting with individuals who have active TB. Their job does not generally involve exposure to environments that are high-risk for TB transmission, making them the individual with the least likelihood of developing a TB infection among the options presented.